BayTrust grants up to $500k available for Western Bay of Plenty groups

Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 will soon be available from BayTrust. Photo / File

Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 will soon be available from BayTrust to help build or upgrade community and environmental assets in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Expressions of interest open on May 1 and local community groups and organisations are invited to register their project before May 31.

A total of $1.25 million is available from BayTrust's Community Amenities Fund this year Bay of Plenty-wide, which is designed to support intergenerational assets that have broad community support.

The Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust was one of four successful applicants in 2018 and received $400,000 to help build their new $5.2m rescue base and multi-purpose community hub.

Construction is due to get underway shortly and the new building will open this summer.

Another $250,000 grant was given to kick-start funding for a new wetland development in Te Puna that will feature cycling and walking tracks plus cultural and ecological signage.

The new public reserve will be owned by Pirirakau Incorporated Society and jointly managed in conjunction with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said the fund was an exciting opportunity to secure funds for community and environmental assets that would make a real difference to Bay of Plenty residents for generations to come.

"BayTrust's vision is to ensure the Bay of Plenty is the greatest place to be. Our population is growing, and our community's needs continue to evolve.

"Building new community assets or expanding existing ones to meet those needs requires substantial funding and we're pleased we can contribute in a significant way."

Rhodes said each project must deliver on multiple BayTrust outcomes and attributes which could be found on BayTrust's website.

Successful projects must also have sufficient funding in place to complete the work and must have ongoing financial support to cover maintenance and operating costs.

Applicants should have an initial discussion with BayTrust staff first before lodging their Expression of Interest in May.

Shortlisted groups will be invited to complete a full business case study before a decision is made by BayTrust's board in November.

"Funding can be directed towards a permanent new community asset, an environmental project, a significant upgrade of an existing community asset or the preservation of a community asset with strong local significance or historical importance," Rhodes said.

"We expect these assets to be long-lasting and have an accessible, multi-use public component. We're also looking to support amenities that reflect the interests of a high proportion of our community and where locals and volunteers will continue to be involved."

For more information on BayTrust's Community Amenities Fund and details on how to apply, visit the BayTrust website or phone (07) 578 6546.